Feature Story

Solving social problems through individual and communal charity.

American generosity is responsible for great cultural achievements: stunning museums, libraries in even the smallest communities all over the country, social problems solved without a minute of government attention. It has also seen spectacular failures, and today’s major givers face many challenges: sometimes results in the most important areas are the hardest to measure, sometimes it’s near-impossible for the most visionary givers to find the perfect organizations to support, and sometimes fashionable ideas in the philanthropy “industry” risk making giving more about statistics than about people.

In this month’s feature we talk to alumni who are making American generosity thrive. We sit down with alumnus Ben Shelton of American Philanthropic to discuss the strategy of philanthropy. We also talk to a number of alumni working through nonprofits and foundations to help America build a civil society that can be a driving force in the revitalization of our country. Finally, later this month, we will meet Sarah Origer of Northern Indiana Community Foundation and talk to her about working through private philanthropy to strengthen cities and communities.

Featuring:

OPINION:

Chaney Mullins '14: Donors need to be connected to the people their money supports.

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